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Minister confirms cuts to Communion payment

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has confirmed that payments to families for special occasions, including first communions and confirmations, are to be cut.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Ms Burton said a review by community welfare officers made a number of recommendations, including that the average payment of €200 for holy communions be reduced to €110.

But she said that welfare officers would be allowed discretion when considering requests for exceptional needs payments.